Ozamiz Archbishop Martin Jumoad. (File photo)
MANILA -- A Mindanao bishop lauded the conviction of 28 accused, including Datu Andal Ampatuan Jr. and his brother Zaldy Ampatuan in the Maguindanao massacre case on Thursday, calling it as God's answer to prayers for justice.
“Heavens have heard the cry of the poor. No one can escape the justice of God. So be it. The court of the land has spoken,” said Ozamiz Archbishop Martin Jumoad in an interview.
Jumoad, meanwhile, hopes that those who were acquitted are really innocent.
At the same time, the Catholic prelate said the guilty verdict reminds criminals that they will not get away with the crimes they committed.
“We salute the verdict and it is a reminder to criminals that there are laws which will run after them,” he added.
Jumoad said they always ask God to guide judges to rule based on pieces of evidence presented.
On Thursday, Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 221 found eight members of the Ampatuan clan and 20 others guilty for 57 counts of murder and meted them with the penalty of reclusion perpetua (up to 40 years imprisonment) without parole.
Meanwhile, 15 others were sentenced to up to 10 years imprisonment for being accessories to the crime while 56 were acquitted. (PNA)
